Deep sea mining

IT took some time to compromise with my prowess, however, to only a minimal percentage after reading “Green light” on the deep sea mining in the Pacific by 2023 after Nauru triggered a rule to commence within two years in its waters.

It would be an advantage to the nation’s economy in future, however, one cannot predict in what way the biodiversity and environment would be impacted by the activities and how long it would take to recover.

Deep sea ecosystems are some of the most important ecosystems on the planet and harbours the glaring magnitude of marine species of varied life. It would be definitely a most painful effect felt by the marine species and the warning by the Deep Sea Marine Campaign already suggesting the impact would be adverse on the Sperm Whale in the Pacific Ocean.

My further reading indicates that there is a need for a moratorium on deep-sea mining as the issue is currently a controversy and is argued by environmental experts, The EU Parliament, several Pacific nations including Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Scientists have also shown concerns by signing a petition, calling for moratorium on deep sea mining saying that it was too early for the “Green light” as sufficient and robust scientific information was yet to be obtained.

We in the Pacific are already in the midst of climate change and biodiversity crisis and my earnest request to all the Pacific Island leaders is to sit at the negotiating table for an amicable solution to avert future crisis that could jeopardise the health of our Pacific Ocean and the numerous species that dwell in harmony in their peaceful environment.

Let it not become a disaster in future to impact the biodiversity and the vulnerable species of our beautiful Blue Pacific!

SHIU KUMAR NARAYAN

Yalalevu, Ba